Touch of Vienna

Three weeks ago, one of the US's leading orchestras, the Chicago Symphony, performed at the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) and the same venue will this weekend host the Vienna Philharmonic for a touch of the "golden sound" of old Europe. Sunday night's concert will also feature superstar pianist Lang Lang as guest performer.

There is perhaps no other institution more closely associated with the history of European classical music than the Vienna Philharmonic. During its 160-year history, it has been an integral part of a musical epoch that has been unique, thanks to an abundance of gifted composers and interpreters.

Many celebrated musicians have paid tribute to its close association with this rich musical history. Richard Wagner rated the Vienna Philharmonic one of the world's leading orchestras; Anton Bruckner called it "the most superior musical association"; Johannes Brahms counted himself as a "friend and admirer"; Gustav Mahler claimed to be joined with it through "the bonds of musical art"; and Richard Strauss summarized them all by saying: "All the praise of the Vienna Philharmonic is understatement."